On Tuesday April 23, 37-year-old Mark G. Brittan of Hazel Park was sentenced to five years probation and seven months in the Macomb Count Jail after being convicted on a charge of possessing child pornography. Brittan is a former Warren substitute teacher, and taught for approximately four years in Van Dyke Public Schools.

Brittan was allegedly found to have child pornography on his computer, however, his arrest was triggered by what was called “inappropriate” behavior according to Judge Richard Caretti. This inappropriate behavior consisted of Brittan allegedly taking a “suggestive” picture of a 7-year-old student while teaching; the girl was fully clothed at the time the photo was taken.

A news article at C & G News stated that Brittan took full responsibility for his actions, saying that it was “the biggest mistake” of his life. After listening to Brittan’s remarks, Judge Caretti also ordered Brittan to register as a sex offender. He was also ordered to avoid contact with any individual age 17 or younger, and told not to go within 1,000 feet of school property, or within 500 feet of daycares, parks, or playgrounds.

The investigation into the incident began after Warren police learned from school officials that Brittan had told the girl to pose for the photo. The girl told her mother, who then reported the incident to a school resource officer. Upon learning of the allegations, police obtained a search warrant and searched Brittan’s home in June of last year, where they seized property including a computer. According to the news article, criminal charges were authorized based on statements made by the defendant in the course of an interview, and analysis of the items seized at the residence.

Jack Jaffe, Brittan’s defense attorney, said that his client is undergoing counseling and has performed 48 hours of community service. Brittan has been working at Oakland Community College as a tutor. Following sentencing on Tuesday, he was escorted immediately to jail.

Michigan child pornography attorneys know that when it comes to sentencing for individuals convicted of this offense, Brittan got off with what some would call a “light sentence.” According to the Michigan Penal Code 750.145c, individuals who knowingly possess materials that are considered child pornography are guilty of a felony offense which may result in up to 4 years in prison; certain other factors could lead to penalties that are even more harsh.

If you have been arrested for possession of child pornographic materials or have already been charged, do not hesitate before consulting with a capable Michigan sex crime lawyer. Your reputation and freedom are at stake, so take action at once.